The headquarters of PRO Communications (popularly called PRO Comm), looks like somebody's home and, in this home, Jean Lowrie-Chin is mama.

The managing director of the entity she founded in December 1978 is looking back on the 30 years. Lowrie-Chin, who also created The Gleaner's Flair Magazine back in 1984, has to pinch herself to make sure time has flown by so quickly. She is more than pleased with the progress the company has made.

"As a matter of fact, we have had to be very careful about growing too fast. We still run on the no-loan, self-financing-from-cash-flow policy, so we have to be conservative and, thank goodness, we have made every pay-day for 30 years!" she states proudly.

The clientele is a who's who of private sector supremacy including Digicel, the National Commercial Bank Foundation and Kingston Wharves. Past clients include Pepsi, Jamaica Money Market Brokers and J Wray and Nephew. Just how does the PRO Comm team keep everybody happy?

No easy road

"If you are committed to the clients' cause, it is not tough at all, and we don't take on any client that we don't believe in. But, if you are not well equipped it's worse than tough - it's impossible," she pointed out. Navigating the PR/communications road isn't easy, even for her. She says the biggest challenge is getting people to respect the profession. I think we are the most second-guessed profession in the world," she opined.

The poet

On the personal side, Lowrie-Chin is also quite the poet, launching her book Souldance at PRO Comm's 30th anniversary event last week. She addresses topics dealing with social commentary, spiritual and relationships. The book has been in the works for six years.

She writes to "speak out for the voiceless, to celebrate the goodness of God (and) love in many forms," she says. Claude McKay and William Shakes-peare are her favourite poets.

Always the visionary, Lowrie-Chin is looking ahead to stay ahead of the communications game.

Fine-tuned product

"We have fine-tuned our unique communications product. It's the most effective way to communicate and we have proven it through the work we have done for LASCO, the Electoral Office of Jamaica and, most recently, BPM Financial. It's a combination of advertising, public relations, Internet - full house for full impact," she explained.

She says the expansion will free her to do more writing and jokes it will also free her husband, Hubie, to play more golf. She also hinted at something big coming for 2009, a new project that could be one of PRO Comm's biggest moves yet. Happy birthday, Jean!

Jean Lowrie-Chin (right) escorts her mom Masie Lowrie to the party with the help of hubbie Hubie Chin.